Cleveland Sports Forum

Cuba to the final after beating Venezuela and now awaits either Panama or the Dominican Republic.

This is the second final for a Cuban team in the Caribbean Series after their return to this tournament, in 2014

Cuba beat Venezuela 3-0 on Friday and won their ticket to the finals of the Caribbean Series played at Rod Carew's National Stadium, and now they are waiting Panama or the Dominican Republic.

"I think that being a finalist is more than half a dream accomplished," the manager from Cuba, Pablo Civil, enthusiastically told the journalists. This victory is attributed to the good performance of his "boys", among them his pitchers and in particular Lazaro Blanco, who "has been perfect".

Civil added that another detail to take into account in this advance to the final of the tournament, which will be played this Sunday, "is that this team has been known to win the important games, the first against Mexico (1-0) and the fourth Venezuela.

He highlighted the quality pitching and today the offense that collected eight hits, which, he said, was the product of having changed the lineup looking for a more effective offense.

"And things worked out, which was the important thing. We scored the runs that decided the game, two in the first and one more in the next inning. There I played the strategy, I sent Lariesky Larduet a steal, the receiver threw badly. and entered the third run, "he said.

He praised the consistency of clean up hitter Alfredo Despaigne, of which he indicated that he is the only player who has played in every game "and who has batted in more than 50 percent of the runs".

On the performance of his starter Lazaro Blanco, who picked up the victory against Venezuela, Civil stressed that "he is a pitcher who has not yet given up any earned runs in the tournament, and has been magnificent."

He revealed that in principle "they did not plan to start with Lazaro Blanco. We talked with him last night. He had not decided yet, but finally with the championship on the line, we decided for him to start. He pitched five innings with the minimum amount of pitches "

Blanco "walked one, which was the most important thing, and gave zero runs against a quality team" added the manager of Cuba.

Civil sent five pitchers to the mound in this game against Venezuela, among them Freddy Aziel, whom he announced as the starter on Sunday to face the opponent in the finals of 61st Caribbean Series.

"We are working on the function of situational pitching. We always design a strategy of 'pitching' the left-handed batters against the southpaws, the right handed batters against the righties (...) and we hope things will work out in the finals, "he remarked.

This is the second finals for a Cuban team in the Caribbean Series since their return to this tournament, in 2014.

Panama beat Puerto Rico 1-0 and advances to the finals of the Caribbean Series

The representative team of Panama (Toros de Herrera) will face Cuba for the title tomorrow, Sunday at 4 o'clock at the Rod Carew Stadium.

Panama (Toros de Herrera) entered through the back door to the Caribbean Series and will be the visiting team today in the fianal against the team of Cuba (Leñadores de las Tunas) at 4:00 p.m. at the Rod Carew stadium.

The win by the Panamanian team was made possible thanks to the 1-0 win over Puerto Rico (Cangrejeros de Santurce).

With this result, Panama was 3-1 in Group B, like the Dominican Republic, but by the "Tie breaking" rule, Panama advanced to the finals (they had better batting average).

Panama will look for its second title in this tournament. The first was achieved in 1950 with the Yankees of Carta Vieja.

But Cubans have a historical factor that plays in their favor. And it is that in the three editions in which Panama has been the hosts, Cuban franchises have been the champions. Lions of Havana were crowned in 1953 and Elephants of Cienfuegos, in 1956 and 1960.

The winning run occurred in the bottom of the fourth inning when with runners on first and second, Javier Guerra grounded to the first baseman David Vidal, who threw to the second base for the force out, but when trying to complete the double play at first , the short field Alexis Pantoja (0-2) threw badly, allowing the only run of the game to score from third by Allen Córdoba.

However, the bitter note of the night was the confirmation by the Association of Professional Players of the Caribbean that neither Panama nor Cuba are entitled to any individual or collective awards that are granted in this tournament because they are not members of the federation. Both teams have been invited as "GUESTS"

Panama defeats Puerto Rico and goes to Cuba at the end of the Caribbean Series

Nobody could imagine that the two invited "guests" of the countries, Panama and Cuba, were going to be playing in the finals of the 61st Series of the Caribbean

BASEBALL 10:21 am Sunday February 10, 2019

The Bulls of Herrera of Panama, under the leadership of Manuel Rodriguez, obtained this Saturday the path to the finals of the Caribbean Series with a 1-0 win against the Cangrejeros de Santurce of Puerto Rico, and with a hope to do the same tomorrow against Cuba to take the gold medal of the tournament.

An emotional Rodriguez told reporters that nobody could imagine that the two invited "guest" of the countries, Panama and Cuba, were going to play in the finals of the 61st Caribbean Series that took place at the last minute in the Central American country due to mayhem in Venezuela.

"I don't think that anyone expected that, but baseball is like that, and let's go with everything it takes to try to get the gold medal," said the Panamanian manager, who said that in the game for the title against the Lumberjacks of Las Tunas Cuba will use his pitcher Harold Arauz as a starter.

The Cubans will send Freddy Aziel to the mound to start the game.

On their fourth meeting, which Panama will hold against Cuba in a finals of the Caribbean Series, Panama holds a 3-0 advantage after wins in the 53, 56 and 59 seasons, Rodriguez considered it a "great feat" that both teams are again facing off in a tournament of this type.

The Panamanian coach stressed that "regardless of what happens tomorrow these guys are my champions, they worked hard and that's the important thing, to be satisfied with the work that's been done".

In the victory of Panama over the Puerto Ricans, it was again the essential work done by the Panamanian closer Manuel "Manny" Corpas, who after last night has achieved three saves in the series.

"Manny" Corpas, who played for the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs during his time in the Major Leagues, told reporters that "it's not easy to prevent teams from coming up with a run to close a game."

"It's very difficult, but I think that what really works for me is to use my experience, what I have learned during my career as a player, I think that was what helped me at the time, to try to concentrate" highlighted the spiky pitcher.

For Corpas to be in the finals is something "very big" something that he will never forget, since, he recalled, "I have almost 20 years playing baseball, with 5 years in Venezuela, 3 years in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and I have never been to a Caribbean Series. "

"It's something very big for me and for the team, for all the young players and for all the Panamanian fans that came out to support us during the event," said Corpas.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

PANAMA 3 CUBA 1
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Panama Caribbean Series Champion

Los Toros de Herrera defeated 3-1 Los Leñadores de las Tunas de Cuba

BASEBALL 6:21 pm Sunday February 10, 2019



Los Toros de Herrera representing Panama, were crowned Champions of the 61st Series of the Caribbean, defeating 3 - 1 the Lumberjacks of Las Tunas de Cuba.

Panama started on the right foot in the first inning. Gerald Chin lined out to pitcher Freddy Alvarez. Jilton Calderon doubled (2) on a ground ball to right fielder Jorge Yhonson. Allen Cordoba singled on a ground ball to left fielder Alfredo Despaigne. Jilton Calderon scored. Allen Cordoba to 2nd. Allen Cordoba stole (1) 3rd base. Elmer Reyes singled on a line drive to right fielder Jorge Yhonson. Allen Cordoba scored. Javy Guerra grounded into a double play, pitcher Freddy Alvarez to shortstop Jorge Aloma to first baseman Yordanis Samon. Elmer Reyes out at 2nd. Javy Guerra out at 1st. (Panama 2 Cuba 0)

Cuba narrowed the lead to 2 - 1 in the 5th inning. Alfredo Despaigne doubled (2) on a line drive to center fielder Rodrigo Orozco. Yordanis Samon grounds out softly, pitcher Harold Arauz to first baseman Jonathan Galvez. Jorge Aloma grounds out, third baseman Elmer Reyes to first baseman Jonathan Galvez. Carlos Benitez singled on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Rodrigo Orozco. Alfredo Despaigne scored. (Panama 2 Cuba 1)

Panama extended the lead to 3-1 scoring a single run in the 7th. Javy Guerra grounded out, second baseman Carlos Benitez to first baseman Yordanis Samon. Keury De La Cruz flied out to center fielder Yuniesky Larduet. Jonathan Galvez doubled (1) on a soft fly ball to left fielder Alfredo Despaigne. Mound Visit. Pitching Change: Vladimir Garcia replaces Freddy Alvarez. Wild pitch by pitcher Vladimir Garcia. Jonathan Galvez to 3rd. Rodrigo Vigil singled on a ground ball to center fielder Yuniesky Larduet. Jonathan Galvez scored. (3 - 1)

Harold Araúz, was the winning pitcher, the Cuban Freddy Álvarez took the loss and ex-big leaguer Manuel "Manny" Corpas. the save (4). Harold Araúz pitched five full innings, during which he limited the Cuban offense to four hits without allowing runs.

The Panamanian player, the Chirica Javier Guerra, was chosen as the Most Valuable Player of the Caribbean Series Panama 2019.

With this result, Panama finished the tournament with a 4-1 mark.

"This is a triumph for all of Panama and for it to be known that there is talent in Panama," said the manager of the Bulls, the Herrerano Manuel Rodríguez.

first baseman Yordanis Samon

Wasn't Indians IF/2B/SS/3B/OF Rutherfordo [a.k.a. Chico when all Latin players got cute diminutive names] Salmon from Panama? His grandson perhaps?

https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/671e566a

Chico Salmon

This article was written by Russell Wolinsky

Born in Colon, Panama.........

Indians Prospective @indiansPro
7 minutes ago
#Indians have signed 18yr old International free agent (C) Lahiorne Diaz out of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Diaz will begin his career in the Dominican Summer League.

Indians Prospective @indiansPro
4 hours ago
#Indians have signed International Free Agent 16yr old (C) Nelson Anaguren out of Acarigua, Venezuela.

Without Joe around, no one is keeping track. Sometimes someone make a real winter breakthrough e.g. Jose Ramirez. Wonder what we're missing?

Arizona League is done/ top 25 prospects rated:

13. Nolan Jones, 3B, Mesa (Indians No. 1/MLB No. 37)
Jones has a lot going on with his left-handed swing and struck out in 46 percent of his AFL plate appearances, but he still showcased some of the best raw power in the league. He also draws walks, possesses a strong arm and has worked hard to make himself into an acceptable defender at the hot corner.

Jones 200/294/433 4 homers
2b/ss Ernie Clement 303/365/364
C Gavin Collins 162/233/297

LHP Kirk McCarty 24 IP 17 Hits 6 walks 19 K 3.00 ERA 0.96 WHIP
RHP Jonathan Teaney 10 1/3 IP 12 hits 9 walks 11 K 5.23 2.00
RHP Manuel Alvarez 6 1/3 IP 4 hits 6 walks 7 K 8.53 1.89 WHIP

tried to download stats from the Dominican Venezuelan and Mexican leagues; only Joe knows how to do this I guess; no success by this gringo

I'll copy over here the BA detailed assessment of this year's signings.


BA review of Indians' 2019 International signings; quite a write up

Pro scouts have taken notice of the Latin American prospects building up at the lower levels of Cleveland's farm system. Outfielder George Valera and shortstop Brayan Rocchio both ranked among the top prospects this year in the short-season New York-Penn League, while infielders Aaron Bracho and Jose Tena ranked in the Rookie-level Arizona League top 20 prospects. Shortstops Gabriel Rodriguez and Angel Martinez both made plenty of noise as well this year in the Dominican Summer League. This year's Indians international signing class was again heavy on instinctive, gamer types who hit well in games as amateurs.

Cleveland's top international signing in 2019 was Jose Pastrano, a 17-year-old Venezuelan shortstop who trained in the Dominican Republic with Banana and the younger brother of Athletics infielder Jose Pastrano, who spent the last two years in the Dominican Summer League. Pastrano stood out for his quickness, excellent athleticism and overall game awareness at a premium position. He's a plus runner who projects to stay at shortstop, where he has quick hands and feet, good body control and has shown flashes of above-average arm strength as well. Pastrano shows attributes to hit from both sides of the plate as well, though some clubs left wanting to see more performance from him as an amateur. He has a short, direct swing and good feel for the strike zone. He has good contact skills with a line-drive, all-fields approach and gap power. Pastrano isn't that big, but he does have the physical projection for more of those doubles to eventually climb over the fence, but his offensive profile will probably be tilted more toward his on-base ability over his power. He trained with Banana.

One of the top players in Panama this year was Luis Durango Jr., who signed for $500,000. Durango is the son of Luis Durango, a speedster who played in the Futures Game in 2009 and accumulated 74 plate appearances in the big leagues over three seasons for the Padres from 2009-11. Durango Jr. excelled in games playing in Panama. He was one of the top hitters in the country, earning a spot on Panama's U-15 World Cup team that won the silver medal on their home turf last year. He made the all-tournament team, batting .296/.472/.444 in 36 plate appearances. All that experience shows in Durango's baseball IQ and excellent instincts on both sides of the ball. With lean, athletic build (5-foot-10, 145 pounds), Durango is a high contact hitter from the left side with an advanced hitting approach for his age. He performed well as an amateur and continued to do so after signing in Tricky League. Durango doesn't project to be a big power threat, but his on-base skills and speed could potentially fit at the top of a lineup. He's a 70 runner, and it's conceivable Durango could get even faster once he gets stronger. His speed and instincts give him excellent range in center field, where he has a fringe-average arm that could tick up given his sound throwing mechanics. He trained with Jose Camarena.

The Indians signed 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Jose Devers for $450,000. Devers is a cousin of Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers and a younger brother of 19-year-old Marlins shortstop Jose Devers, who reached high Class A Jupiter this year. While Rafael is a mashing third baseman, the Indians' Jose Devers is more like his older brother, a skinny shortstop with a high baseball IQ, no surprise given that he comes from a baseball family. At 5-foot-9, 145 pounds, Devers lacks strength, but he has good actions and skills on both sides of the ball to build off once more strength comes as he gets older. Despite being behind many of his peers in terms of physical development, Devers has a fundamentally sound swing from the right side and excellent contact skills, with a knack for putting the ball in play even against higher velocity arms, spraying line drives to all fields without much power. An average runner, Devers has a chance to stick at shortstop, where he has quick feet, a springy first step, smooth actions and an average arm that could grade up once he gets stronger.

The Indians signed a group of Venezuelan outfielders on July 2, including Simon Rodriguez. Rodriguez, 17, has a smaller, slightly build frame (5-foot-9, 140 pounds) with good athleticism and plus speed to stay in center field. Rodriguez has good bat-to-ball skills from a sound lefty swing, using the whole field with a line-drive approach and limited power right now due to his lack of strength. He trained with Carlos Guillen.

Another Venezuelan outfielder the Indians signed, 16-year-old Erick Caripa, has more impact potential in his bat. He's 6-foot-1, 160 pounds with good strength projection, and has a chance to develop into a physical outfielder with righthanded power. Caripa has good bat speed and already shows the ability to drive the ball over the fence in BP, with a chance to develop above-average raw power, though it might some with some swing-and-miss. Caripa is an average runner with an average arm that has a chance to get stronger, so he's going to start his career in center field, though he might end up in right field.

Angel Mendoza, a third notable Venezuelan outfielder the Indians added to their 2019 class, stood out for his offensive performance as an amateur. At a compact 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, Mendoza isn't that physical, but he's a lefty who has shown advanced feel for hitting for his age with a sound swing and good bat control, leading to a lot contact in games, including against high velocity pitching. Mendoza doesn't have much power, but he produces hard line drives in games. He might have enough defensive ability to stay in center field, though a move to the corner is possible and would put more demands on his power developing. Mendoza trained with Jhon Colon.

Dominican shortstop Maick Collado, 16, signed with the Indians for $200,000 after training with Fausto Garcia. Collado (5-foot-11, 160 pounds) impressed the Indians with his ability to hit in games from both sides of the plate, making consistent, quality contact with feel for the strike zone and a chance to grow into average power. Collado's offensive tools are ahead of his defense, with a chance to play either third or second base.

Angel Contreras is a 16-year-old Colombian shortstop the Indians signed or $160,000. His father, Angel Contreras, is the scouting supervisor for the Rays in Colombia, and that baseball background shows in Contreras' all-around baseball acumen. He's a smaller, compact infielder (5-foot-8, 150 pounds) who has quick actions, secure hands and a good exchange, though his pure speed is below-average and his arm might lead him to second base. Contreras is an instinctive player in the field and at the plate, where he shows good bat-to-ball skills from both sides with a line-drive approach and doubles power.

Venezuelan outfielder Juan Rodriguez, a Venezuelan outfielder the Indians signed on July 2, has changed his profile over the past year. He's a lean, wiry player who showed a sweet swing early on, but lacked strength to impact the ball. Leading up to July 2, Rodriguez got stronger and started to do more damage on contact, showing more power with leverage in his swing to go with his feel for hitting. He has a chance to play center field, though he might end up in a corner.

Juan Benjamin, a Dominican shortstop who got $100,000, is another athletic switch-hitter who has shown good contact skills in games. He has a quick, compact swing with a good approach for a 16-year-old, with a knack for the barrel and handling himself well against high velocity. His defensive actions will need work to stay at shortstop, but his athleticism fits in the middle of the diamond.

No pitchers on that list surprisingly

I tried to post something about our signings earlier but this forum won’t allow pics and videos from Twitter anymore. I used to post them, I don’t know what changed.

We signed 17 pitchers. Two of which were lefties.